Metropolitan Police Collar Number query.

[Monty]

Hi all,

A friend has come across an 1880 photo of a very young PC with a Collar no SW12.

He initially felt it was a Met PC due to the photographer coming from Pimlico.

However I've never seen a Met SW collar prefix. I suspect its South Wales or a specific duty PC.

Any help will be gratefully received.

Many thanks

Monty

[Dave Wilkinson]

Hi all,

A friend has come across an 1880 photo of a very young PC with a Collar no SW12.

He initially felt it was a Met PC due to the photographer coming from Pimlico.

However I've never seen a Met SW collar prefix. I suspect its South Wales or a specific duty PC.

Any help will be gratefully received.

Many thanks

Monty

Monty,

You can discount South Wales. South Wales Police was formed on 1st June 1969. Posting a copy of the photo may assist.

Dave.

[Monty]

Thanks Dave,

Yeah, I was really just thinking what it could be.

The photo isn't mine so I shall seek permission.

Thanks for replying.

Monty

[Mervyn Mitton]

Monty - the pre1949 Met. uniform where the numbers were on the collar always had the pre-fix Div. no. This is certainly not a Div. no.

and I don't remember any special units with this prefix. Could it have been a training college ? Not sure where they were in 1880 -

although I should think Peel House was in existance.

[Monty]

Hi Mervyn,

Indeed. I'm well aquainted with Met prefixes and this one I've never come across. Made me wonder what it could be (hence my desperate South Wales guess) and if its a Railway, Market or Dock reference. However I'm not sure of that.

Tis a puzzler.

Monty

[Mervyn Mitton]

Railways has to be a possibility - there were so many amalgamations. When you get the book there is a list of early railways. Mervyn

[Monty]

Thanks Mervyn, I may try West Brompton, see if they know. Monty

[Polsa999]

Hi Monty

I too saw this photo for sale on Ebay. I am 90% certain that it is not of a police officer and certainly not from a railway company. When I saw it and spoke with the seller, I concluded that it was a telegram boy. Hope that this helps. Steve

[Monty]

Hi Monty

I too saw this photo for sale on Ebay. I am 90% certain that it is not of a police officer and certainly not from a railway company. When I saw it and spoke with the seller, I concluded that it was a telegram boy. Hope that this helps. Steve

Hi Steve,

Firstly, many apologies for such a delayed reply from me. I have been a tad busy.

Secondly, many thanks. I think you are correct, a telegram boy would fit the bill.

Monty